Microsoft's Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott publicly offered to match the salaries of OpenAI employees considering resignation after the unexpected removal of CEO Sam Altman.
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Scott extended an invitation to these employees to join Microsoft's new AI Research Lab, promising equivalent compensation and a shared mission.
The specifics of Scott's offer, including its dependence on Altman's employment at Microsoft, remain uncertain. This development highlights Microsoft's readiness to absorb OpenAI talent and its commitment to investment in the AI sector.
OpenAI's future is in flux, with Altman's next move unclear. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced on Monday the potential integration of Altman, former OpenAI President Greg Brockman, and their team into a new AI research group at Microsoft. This announcement followed the resignation threats from over 600 OpenAI staff, demanding the board's resignation in solidarity with Altman.
In his latest interview, Nadella acknowledged the need for governance changes at OpenAI, without confirming Altman and Brockman's move to Microsoft. He emphasized Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI and openness to various outcomes, reaffirming the company's commitment to innovation.
Altman's dismissal by OpenAI's board, reportedly due to communication issues, has led to Emmett Shear, ex-CEO of Twitch, being named interim leader. The current board, now comprising four members including OpenAI's chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, has not detailed the reasons for Altman's departure. Sutskever has expressed regret over his role in the board's decision.